Dulce de Leche and Walnuts Alfajores

DESCRIPTION

Alfajores are soft, delicate cookies from South America made, surprisingly, with cornstarch. In this version, the cookie edges are rolled in walnuts which add a nutty flavor and an appetizing finish.

Total Time
3 Hrs, 30 Mins
Serves
6
Serving Size
5
Course
Desserts

Total Time

Prep Time
30 Mins
Cook Time
3 Hrs
Total Time
3 Hrs, 30 Mins

Nutrition

Calories
184 cal
Total Fat
7 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
0 g
Cholesterol
27 mg
Sodium
54 mg
Carbohydrates
28 g
Dietary Fiber
0 g
Protein
2 g

Ingredients

Homemade Dulce de Leche

  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk, label removed

Alfajores

  • 1-1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar (may substitute with vanilla paste or extract)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2-3/4 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped California walnuts
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar for garnish

Preparation

Homemade Dulce de Leche
  1. Put unopened can of condensed milk in a saucepan, cover with water, bring to a boil and boil (covered) for 3 hours. May need to add more water to keep can fully submerged.
  2. Important: Do not open the can until it has cooled completely.
Alfajores
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamed. Add egg, vanilla sugar (or suggested substitute), salt and water, and continue beating for 2 minutes.
  3. Sift flour with baking powder and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add flour mixture to butter and sugar mixture.
  4. Knead the dough and shape into a ball. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
  5. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch, and cut it into circles about 2 inches in diameter using a pastry cutter.
  6. Arrange them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-6 minutes. Remove pan from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
  7. To create sandwiches, cover one cookie with a spoonful of Dulce de Leche, spread walnuts over it, and top with another cookie. Repeat with remaining cookies. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve.